Will Steven Gerrard’s performance against Manchester United go down as the pivotal moment in the Premier League title race?

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard inspired the destruction of Premier League champions Manchester United as he proved his side are the real deal in this season’s title race.

Games against United are always huge but this fixture took on a totally different meaning for both clubs given their respective places in the table.

It was a massive test of Liverpool’s title credentials and they passed this exam convincingly with an emphatic 3-0 win. In all truth the score should have been more, given the number of chances the away side missed, but I don’t think any Reds fans will complain about the outcome.

For me the game was won by the performance of Gerrard, who dominated the game and proved to everyone once again what a great player he is.

Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard is mobbed by his teammates (Picture: Reuters)

Gerrard started the match with a crunching tackle on United’s Phil Jones, and sent out a message that the Merseysiders would not be intimidated but Manchester United’s crude physical approach.

The Liverpool captain kept his nerve in the heat of battle to score two goals from the penalty spot, and although he hit the post with a third spot-kick late on by then the game had been won.

Gerrard’s experience was invaluable and his calmness in possession and controlled passing and aggression dictated the play in Liverpool’s favour.

It would be fantastic and deserved if Gerrard could lift the Premier League title before he retires, and his superb display against Manchester United ensured that remains a distinct possibility this season.